Newport News residents advocate for Camp Morrison housing redevelopment plan

Residents of Newport News are rallying behind a proposed redevelopment of the Camp Morrison site, which aims to transform the area into a vibrant community with new housing options and amenities. During a recent Planning Commission meeting, several local residents voiced their strong support for the project, highlighting the need for modern housing and green spaces in the city.

Bonnie Ryan, a Newport News resident, expressed her enthusiasm for the development, noting that the planned amenities, including a pool and clubhouse, align with what she and her husband are seeking in their next home. "We’ve actually started looking in Williamsburg just to find something that checks those boxes," she said, emphasizing the importance of staying close to their jobs in the city.

Catherine Allen echoed Ryan's sentiments, sharing her desire for a mixed-use neighborhood that offers more than just basic amenities. "The opportunity to have mixed choice in housing as well as green space... would make me wanna stay in Newport News," she stated.

The current state of the Camp Morrison site, characterized by vacant and deteriorating warehouses, has raised safety concerns among residents. Jim Healy, another supporter of the redevelopment, pointed out that the existing buildings have become an eyesore and a liability, attracting illegal activities. He urged the commission to consider the positive impact the new development could have on the community, providing much-needed housing and public parks.

Local business owner Steve Walters also weighed in, highlighting the potential benefits for nearby businesses. "I think it’ll be a great asset to the neighborhood," he said, noting that the redevelopment could help eliminate blight and improve the overall environment.

Raymond Suttle, a resident and owner of a nearby shopping center, emphasized the lack of recent development in the area, stating, "I don’t believe there’s been any development or capital improvement in this area in probably the last 40 years." He expressed hope that the commission would support the project, which he believes could revitalize the neighborhood.

As Newport News faces a housing shortage, with a recent report indicating a need for approximately 21,000 new units by 2050, many residents see the Camp Morrison redevelopment as a crucial step toward addressing this issue. Michael Shapiro, a long-time resident, pointed out that the city is losing residents due to inadequate housing options, particularly for families looking to upsize.

The Planning Commission is expected to make a recommendation to the city council regarding the redevelopment, with many residents urging swift action to bring the project to fruition. The proposed development not only promises to enhance the local housing market but also aims to create a more welcoming and vibrant community for all Newport News residents.